LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Brad Simpson,...HK Luger Follow-Up...?

Doubs · 07-16-2002, 06:32 PM

[quote]Originally posted by John Sabato:
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These grips were obviously produced on the exact same equipment many months apart...

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It's not my intention to become involved in the debate over the Luger pictures but I would like to comment on the statement that there were months between production of the grips.... possibly, but maybe not.

I don't know what yardstick has been used to determine the length of time between manufacture of the grips but I'd like to point out that just because the pistols have months between their dates of manufacture, That's not proof that the grips were made on the same time line. Grips were produced at a much more rapid rate and many thousands could be turned out in a matter of days or a couple of weeks. If the entire production run was done without interruption, it's possible that the same molds were used throughout. That would account for the identical markings. Once shipped to the end user, the grips may have been in stock for months before being consummed by production needs. I'm not claiming that this is how it happened but it's a possibility that shouldn't be overlooked.

I find the possibility of grip similarity/sameness to be greater than the machine marks being the same on two guns bearing the same serial numbers and dated a year apart. Unless the frames and receivers were machined within a very short time period of each other by the same machinist, the worn cutters, change of worn or broken cutters and different machine operators makes identical marks on each gun extremely unlikely. Even the polishing process would alter identical marks to some extent.

I haven't determined how I feel about the gun or guns in the photographs because there're too many unknowns. Having worked in both manufacturing and heavy industry, I do have some understanding of production and machining methods. (I DO NOT claim to be an expert on either. I simply have some experience that makes me question certain conclusions.)

I don't support one side or the other. I only bring up certain points that I believe have to be considered - and explained - in determining the final answer.

07-16-2002, 06:32 PM	#7
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,736 Thanks: 819 Thanked 1,769 Times in 586 Posts	[quote]Originally posted by John Sabato: <strong> These grips were obviously produced on the exact same equipment many months apart... </strong><hr></blockquote> It's not my intention to become involved in the debate over the Luger pictures but I would like to comment on the statement that there were months between production of the grips.... possibly, but maybe not. I don't know what yardstick has been used to determine the length of time between manufacture of the grips but I'd like to point out that just because the pistols have months between their dates of manufacture, That's not proof that the grips were made on the same time line. Grips were produced at a much more rapid rate and many thousands could be turned out in a matter of days or a couple of weeks. If the entire production run was done without interruption, it's possible that the same molds were used throughout. That would account for the identical markings. Once shipped to the end user, the grips may have been in stock for months before being consummed by production needs. I'm not claiming that this is how it happened but it's a possibility that shouldn't be overlooked. I find the possibility of grip similarity/sameness to be greater than the machine marks being the same on two guns bearing the same serial numbers and dated a year apart. Unless the frames and receivers were machined within a very short time period of each other by the same machinist, the worn cutters, change of worn or broken cutters and different machine operators makes identical marks on each gun extremely unlikely. Even the polishing process would alter identical marks to some extent. I haven't determined how I feel about the gun or guns in the photographs because there're too many unknowns. Having worked in both manufacturing and heavy industry, I do have some understanding of production and machining methods. (I DO NOT claim to be an expert on either. I simply have some experience that makes me question certain conclusions.) I don't support one side or the other. I only bring up certain points that I believe have to be considered - and explained - in determining the final answer.